“When we start barking orders without regard for what it costs to follow those orders, it’s easy to forget that time and resources are always scarce.”
People seem to forget how important it is to say please and thank you. We seem to take people for granted.
When we went to France, we were warned by a lot of people that when we got there, people would not be friendly to us. We were pleasantly surprised when everyone we met was friendly and helpful to us. That is when I realize that maybe it was because when we met people, I tried to use their language as an introduction. I would say hello and smile. If we ordered something, I would always ask “please” in French. When we got something from someone, I always told them “thank you” in French. They would always smile and appreciate my effort with trying to use their language.
Even now, when I talk to my husband, I’m very careful about saying “please” and “thank you” to him. I don’t ever want him to feel as if I take him for granted. I try to treat him as if he is a friend or even someone else, I didn’t know. If I had a conversation with others, I would always try to be polite and use my manners. I don’t want them to think badly about me. Why shouldn’t I treat my family in the same way? Maybe because I feel they will love me no matter what which is another way of taking advantage of their love.
When I interact with my students, the best way to teach them manners is by being a good role model. I need to treat them with respect and make sure I treat them the way I want them to treat me. I need to expect them to say “please” and “thank you.” As students get older, I think we let their manners slide because it is easier than arguing with them or insisting that they use their manners.
This is worth the time to work on with my students and me. I like to ask my students to nicely remind me of my manners if I forget to say “please” and “thank you.” I will respectfully acknowledge this and correct my mistake. This helps students pay attention to when I use my manners and helps them work on using their manners. Parents have mentioned that they notice how much nicer their children are behaving at home.
These two phrases are very simple but can leave a huge impact.
How do you encourage your students to use their manners? Please share.
1 comment:
Pat--I try to set a good example. When a student does something kind for another student, and there isn't an immediate "thank you," I prompt it.
It's difficult, because so many students see their parents' rude behavior, which makes them think it's okay to act that way.
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